Thursday, October 8, 2026English edition
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TheBinational

Country risk, from the local press

South Korea · Country watch

KOSPI Falls, LS Electric Expands, Finance Minister Acts

KOSPI declines amid bond yield concerns, LS Electric expands in Taiwan, and the finance minister pledges business-friendly policies.

· · 5 sources

The picture Stable

Business conditions in South Korea remain stable with the finance minister's commitment to support economic growth, despite market volatility and rising bond yields.

In this briefing Koo Ja-kyun · Wang Jui-yu · LS Electric · Formosa Plastics Group · Nan Ya Plastics · Korea Composite Stock Price Index · Korean won · Lee Hyoung-il · Chey Tae-won · SK Group

Regulation

Nothing significant reported today.

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • energy
  • manufacturing

LS Electric partners with Formosa for Taiwan JV

a view of a city at night from a bridge
Ethan Brooke / Unsplash

LS Electric announced a joint venture with Formosa Plastics Group affiliates, Nan Ya Plastics and KHI, to pursue power infrastructure projects in Taiwan, according to The Korea Herald. The agreement was signed at LS Yongsan Tower in Seoul, with LS Electric Chairman Koo Ja-kyun and Formosa Plastics Group Chairman Wang Jui-yu in attendance. This venture aims to expand LS Electric's business beyond supplying electrical equipment in Taiwan.

Impact LS Electric's expansion into Taiwan's power infrastructure market opens new opportunities for its energy and manufacturing sectors.

Sources: The Korea Herald ↗, Korea.net ↗

Markets

  • finance
  • technology

KOSPI drops nearly 2% as tech stocks decline

South Korean stocks fell nearly 2% on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of losses, driven by declines in technology shares amid concerns over rising bond yields, The Korea Herald reports. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed down 137.49 points, or 1.98%, at 6,805.90. Despite easing global oil prices, the market was weighed down by high bond yields, which have reached multidecade highs. The Korean won strengthened against the US dollar.

Impact Investors in South Korean stocks face increased volatility as technology shares decline and bond yields rise.

Sources: The Korea Herald ↗, Korea.net ↗, The Korea Herald ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

  • finance
  • manufacturing

Finance Minister Lee pledges business support

Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il pledged to create a favorable business environment in South Korea while addressing structural challenges like stagnant productivity, Korea.net reports. During a meeting with representatives of major business lobbies, including SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Lee emphasized the need for policies that support economic growth. The minister's remarks aim to reassure businesses amid ongoing economic challenges.

Impact South Korean businesses can expect government support aimed at improving productivity and fostering economic growth.

Sources: Korea.net ↗

Also today in South Korea

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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